Ferguson Rotich powering his way to victory at the IAAF Diamond League in Stockholm on Thursday, June 16, 2016.
NAIROBI, Kenya, June 16 – World Record holder David Rudisha was beaten once again by countryman Ferguson Rotich in the men’s 800m at the eighth stop of the IAAF Diamond League in Stockholm on Thursday night.
This is the second time Rudisha has lost to Rotich this season, having surrendered in Shanghai at the second round in May.
Coming from smashing the 600m meeting record in Birmingham, Rudisha was considered favourite to win the race but he was left treading water in the home straight as Rotich slipped past the field on the inside lane to snatch a shock victory in 1:45.07.
Rudisha, who led the better part of the race faded to fourth in 1:45.69 as Frenchman Bosse Pierre came second in 1:45.23 ahead of third placed Kszczot Adam of Poland who clocked 1:45.41.
The slow race saw athletes led by Rudisha hit the bell at 52.00 with the Olympic and World champion taking control followed by Ethiopia’s Mohammed Aman before Bosse attacked from the back straight but Rudisha was able to respond.
However, Bosse piled pressure on Rudisha with Kszczot making his way to third place as Aman dropped from the leading pack approaching the final bend.
Bosse almost thought he had won it but Rotich powered down the straight to claim the victory that extended his lead at the 2016 Diamond League on 26 points ahead of Bosse who has 16.
“It was a good race,” said Rotich, who will renew his rivalry with Rudisha at the Kenyan Olympic Trials later this month. “A medal in Rio? Yes, I think so.”
Congratulation Ferguson Rotich for winning #StockholmDL though weather wasn't so great….. pic.twitter.com/FlmHu39wZT
— David Rudisha MBS (@rudishadavid) June 17, 2016
-Yego yet to win-
Kenyan javelin thrower Julius Yego (Getty Images) © Copyright.
In the men’s Javelin, world champion Julius Yego once again failed to sparkle as he finished third after throwing 83.09m to see him yet to register a win this season.
It was a bad day #StockholmDL for me! But still have time to improve as we head to final moments #rio olympics! I shall improve
— Julius Yego (@JuliusYegoKE) June 17, 2016
On-form Abdelrahman Ihab from Egypt won after throwing 86.00m ahead of German Rohler Thomas who managed 85.89m.
In the women’s 1500m Hellen Obiri found the going tough as she finished to a disappointing sixth in 4:05.88 while in the 3000m steeplechase, Kenyan-born Ruth Jebet took advantage of the absence of world champion Hyvin Kiyeng to tore the field in a meeting record of 9:08.37.
Jebet now equals points with Kiyeng as both sit at the top on 26 points apiece with six legs to go.
